CATIA V5 Tutorial – How to Use Note Object Attribute with Ditto
In the FT&A workbench, annotations often need to be repeated with the same structure, symbols, and intent across different areas of a model. Instead of recreating them each time, Note Object Attributes (NOA) combined with Ditto provide a more structured way to reuse annotation elements while maintaining their properties and associativity.
Within this approach, annotations are no longer limited to plain text—they can include graphical components, standardized symbols, and embedded instructions, making them more meaningful in design and manufacturing contexts.
Table of Contents
Before going into the steps, understanding the concept
Note Object Attribute (NOA) is an annotation feature in CATIA that allows the creation of reusable notes with extended capabilities. It supports the inclusion of 2D components, enabling symbols and graphical elements to be embedded directly within annotations.
These elements can also be stored in catalogs and reused across different models, making them suitable for standardized workflows.
Ditto, when used with NOA, enables duplication of these annotations while preserving their structure, properties, and associativity. This ensures consistency without requiring manual recreation.
Creating a Note Object Attribute with Ditto (2D Component):
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Step 1:
To follow along, open fixture.CATPart and ensure you are in FT&A workbench.
Step 2:
Click Note Object Attribute.
Step 3:
Pick the indicated face.
Step 4:
In the Type of Noa area, enter Recycle #2 in the Noa text box.
Step 5:
In the Graphical representation area, activate 2D Component Instance and click Choose 2D Component Instance/Reference. The Catalog Browser displays.
Step 6:
Click Browse in the dialog, browse to the Catalog.catalog, and click Open.
Step 7:
The Catalog Browser displays the catalog.
Double-click the Symbols family.
Step 8:
Click the Recycle 2D component.
Click OK and the Preview area of the Note Object Attribute Reference dialog displays the Recycle 2D component.
Step 9:
Enter the following text in the Hidden Text area: Apply Recycle decal #2.
Step 10:
Click OK. Reposition the NOA as necessary.
Why this matters
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1. Reduces repetitive annotation work
Instead of creating the same annotation multiple times, NOA with Ditto allows reuse of predefined elements, saving time during modeling and detailing.
2. Maintains consistency across the design
Using catalog-based annotations ensures that symbols, text formats, and instructions remain uniform throughout the model.
3. Supports standardized engineering workflows
Reusable annotation elements help align with company standards, especially in manufacturing and documentation processes.
Conclusion
Using Note Object Attributes with Ditto in CATIA V5 provides a structured way to manage annotations beyond basic note creation. By combining text, graphical elements, and reusable components, it allows annotations to carry more meaning while staying consistent across the model.
This approach fits naturally into workflows where repeated instructions, symbols, or standards need to be maintained without manual effort. Over time, leveraging catalogs and reusable annotation elements can significantly improve clarity, efficiency, and overall design quality within the FT&A environment.
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